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A new shrine to Blessed Carlo Acutis was unveiled recently at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Maiden Lane, in London. The Mass and blessing were carried out by Bishop Nicholas Hudson, who took the opportunity to share some great advice.
You might be wondering why the shrine has been built in London, considering Acutis’ Italian heritage. Well, the 15-year-old saint was born in London and was baptized there a few weeks after his birth. His family then moved to Italy when he was just a few months old.
According to The Tablet, the shrine was carved by an Italian liturgical sculptor, the renowned Ferdinand Stuflesser. Cardinal Vincent Nichols also presented a first-class relic for the shrine — this class of relic means a fragment of the bodily remains of Acutis.
During his homily, Bishop Hudson shared that the 15-year-old was a “good saint to ask to be with us when we come to Golgotha.” But he also suggested to those gathered to ask the young saint “to be your guide in this life, too.”
This is particularly good advice for youngsters who might be able to relate to the young “geek saint” more than most saints; after all he was a bit of a tech whiz and liked to don a pair of Nikes. Blessed Carlos’ deep devotion to the Eucharist and his strong faith enabled him to offer up his suffering to Jesus for the pope and the Church while he battled leukemia. His life can truly inspire teens today.
While Bishop Hudson also asked the faithful to pray for Andrea and Antonia, the parents of Acutis, he pointed out that the young saint could provide a “road map” for other young people “to grow closer to Jesus.”
If you happen to be traveling in Europe, considering heading to Assisi where the young saint is buried at Santa Maria Maggiore. Or visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where his heart is venerated. But, alternatively, a quick trip to London provides a chance to visit the new shrine, or even go to Our Lady of Dolours in Chelsea, where Acutis was baptized.
